The proposal does not include the
adoption of children, but Rossi told reporters he hopes to debate the
issue at a later date.

The measure is being backed by Carolina
Taho, incoming president of the Partido por la Democracia (PPD)
party.

“We do not think gay people have
fewer rights to build stable relationships than heterosexuals,”
Taho said. “On the contrary, we think they are citizens who are
entitled to live their lives once the legislation gives them the
conditions to do so safely.”

Lawmakers are already considering a set
of reforms called the Acuerdo de Vida en Comun (AVC) which would give
both gay and straight couples all the rights and obligations of
marriage. The legislation would be similar to civil union laws
adopted by several states in the United States.

The AVC has already stirred controversy
and many lawmakers are not interested in voting on the measure so
close to elections later this month.